The day has finally arrived! Wooooohooooo! Let’s get into the Scriptures, Girls! This is our official launch where you will officially register as participants in our summer Bible study but here’s the important part: YOU WILL SIGN IN AFTER YOU AND YOUR GROUP VIEW THIS VIDEO AND HAVE YOUR DISCUSSION TIME. (If you’re going solo, you’ll view it by yourself, of course, and answer the questions succinctly in your comment as your way of discussing the subject matter.)
Please read the following instructions carefully:
If you are participating in a small group (even on line), choose a name for it in your first gathering. It does not need to be clever although you’re welcome to do it that way. It can be as simple as “Greensboro Summer Siestas.” Mine will be “The LPM Village” because I’ll be going through it with my in-house staff and we call our merry band of sisters the Village. You will use your group name every time you leave a comment on Bible study day.
After watching the video and participating in the discussion time with your small group, appoint ONE representative from your group to sign in through a comment to this post. You’re welcome to appoint a different representative each week that we meet. The main idea is to make sure only one person signs in for your group.
This is the way your group representative will sign in:
City, State; Name of group, Number in group. *A brief summary about your group time.
(*This might convey something interesting that came up in your time together or the question that motivated the most discussion. It’s wide open. Just give us a succinct report on your time in small group. Remember to keep them short and specific so that we can read as many as possible!)
Mine would look something like this:
Houston, Texas; The LPM Village, 12. Summary: We talked most about the challenges we have this summer and specific ways we each need God to “keep steady our steps.” (Then I’d give a couple of examples that came up in our discussion time. Get the idea?)
Sisters going solo: you will sign in individually and answer the questions very briefly in your comment. (You are welcome to limit your answers to the ones that resonate most to you.) If I were going solo, mine might look like this:
Houston, Texas; Beth Moore (you can just use your first name if you prefer). Questions 5 and 6 resonated most with me because…
NOW! You are good to go. Just watch the video and proceed according to the instructions I’ll give you within it. As you’ll see below, I will always put the instructions in print in case you’re unable to view the video or if, for any reason, it malfunctions. Keep in mind that you don’t need to read what follows unless you can’t watch the video.
Written instructions:
Today in small group time, read Psalm 119:129-135 together. If you have access to several translations, read it first in a formal translation – ESV, NAS, NKJ, NIV, etc – and, second, just for the richness of it, a modern translation like The Message or the New Living Translation. You know I love The NET Bible so that’s another option.
1. List every term the psalmist uses for God’s communication/revelation to man. (Example: V.129 ESV – “testimonies”)
2. Psalm 119:129 says, “Your testimonies are wonderful: therefore my soul keeps them.” Each of you (as time allows) share a specific way that you’ve come to know personally that God’s testimonies are “wonderful.” If you don’t have a newcomer to the Bible in your group, imagine that you do. Let your answer help explain to her why YOUR soul desires to keep God’s testimonies and why she should even consider it.
3. Psalm 119:132 says “Turn to me and be gracious to me, as is Your way with those who love Your name.” If you have placed your faith in God through Jesus Christ, you have demonstrated one titanic way of “loving His name.” Discuss the importance of trusting that God’s “way” is to deal with His children graciously. Talk about whether you tend to expect God to be gracious to you or indifferent or harsh and condemning. If you tend toward the latter, would you be willing this summer to seek God with the grateful expectation of His graciousness toward you.
4. Psalm 119:133a says, “Keep steady my steps according to Your promise.” What specific challenges are before you this summer that could cause you to really need God to “steady your steps”?
5. Psalm 119:133b says, “Let no iniquity get dominion over me.” THAT, Beloved, is a prayer that could have huge impact in our lives. If you are willing, share a particular tendency of your flesh that you’re really praying will not get the best of you this summer. (By all means, get personal as the Spirit leads but stop short of really graphic specifics. Give people the idea without the mental images.)
6. Psalm 119:134 says, “Redeem me from man’s oppression, that I may keep Your precepts.” Look up several definitions of “oppression” and discuss the vital differences between oppression and authority. How can they be confused? Once we know for certain we’re not just resisting authority but we are genuinely experiencing oppression, realize that God’s will is to REDEEM us from it. Pray fervently for Him to do so. He is perfectly capable of redeeming us from oppression while redeeming the relationship.
7. According to Psalm 119:135, conclude by asking God with a full heart of faith to make His face shine upon you, His servant, this summer and to TEACH you vividly through the Book of Nehemiah.
8. Sometime today, write Psalm 119:129-135 on a note card and keep it as your prayer for our Siesta Summer Bible Study. (After the video was already made, it occurred to me that I should have suggested we all write this segment on the inside of the front cover of our Nehemiah workbooks so, if I caught you in time, do that instead of a note card. That way it will serve as a Scriptural dedication of sorts for our summer experience.)
Have Weeks 1 and 2 of your homework done by Tuesday, July 10th and we’ll have our next Mini-Session then and your group discussion.
I love you guys so much! Isn’t it fabulous to be back together again in God’s Word??
We’ll meet in two weeks! If you’re meeting over a meal, try to fix Lauri’s Beef Enchiladas on p.32 and Mom’s ginger snaps on p.33.
(Remember! Comments only after your group time!)
Illinois, Jennifer- solo
#4 was very eye-opening to me as I haven’t sat down to really list out all the challenges this summer is holding for me. Our 18 yo absolutely darling daughter is in a residential treatment center for eating disorders and addictions, I am trying to coordinate and care for the other 4 children as they start new experiences through camps, etc, and my husband is dealing with some very difficult issues with work. On top of that, I am driving at least once a week 7 hours to visit our daughter. I have taken the backseat and am in desperate need of God’s word and teachings. I know through #2 that my God will always be there for me because even though things are NUTS right now, I feel His peace and I get through each day one at a time knowing that He will be there.
Edinburg, Tx Duncan, Victoria…I am going solo…Questions 3 and Question 5 are the ones that hit home with me…Question 3 because I struggle to believe God will be good to me just because that is his nature, that His love is unconditional and I am not going to screw up and lose it The fact that that is “HIS WAY” just blows my mind and is hard to comprehend…being an adult survivor of childhood sexual, verbal and physical abuse one of the struggles I developed is the believe I don’t deserve to be loved..that I have to be a certain way to deserve love…this idea that I have to buy love (with good behavior, being perfect, or being way co-dependent) is a HUGE wall between me and God…But my Daddy my God continues to be patient and shows my in so many ways how his love is freely given and will never harm me…I am not where I used to be but I know I still have alot of work in this area.
Question 5..“Let no iniquity get dominion over me.” being in recovery from a 20 year drug addiction for five years(thank you Jesus) I have noticed that I just seem to have an addictive personality I can use food, shopping or people pleasing,even serving to replace the former drug addiction…I really really want to finally be SET FREE completely from ALL THE ADDICTIONS THAT IMPRISON ME!
*Sorry for the late check-in!
Winston-Salem, NC; “Newlyweds No More (And Still Lovin’ It)”; We will have approximately 8 girls; We talked most about Question # 5 and the challenges before us this summer – several girls mentioned (and we all agreed!) the difficulty of being as intentional about time with God during the summer when normal routines aren’t set in stone, several of our girls are expectant mothers and anxious about all that pregnancy and motherhood entails, and still others need God to steady their steps as they attempt to walk gracefully (read: tiptoe) through sticky family situations.
Above all, we’re excited about this journey!
marisa,
western north carolina this is my second bible study with the siestas, going solo on my deck overlooking the great mount Pisgah. My prayer is that he will make His face to shine upon me,He has been so very gracious. I want very much for my steps to be guided abd steadied by His word.thank-you for this bible study.
Orange County, California, “Baby Ben”, 2 (friends since grade school, now in our 40’s with young families.)
We met half way between our homes on a bench by a fountain with iced coffees. We mostly talked about our struggles in parenting, anxiety, and control. We are committed to being open to hear from God this summer.
Saegertown Siestas Three,3, Saegertown,Pennsylvania
The three of us met in my home. First we had dinner which was Sour Cream and Chicken Enchiladas which is a recipe from a previous SSBS. We watched the video then discussed the 8 questions Beth posted.
We talked about what challenges face us this summer. Teresa’s Mom is suffering from the early stages of Alzheimer’s. Teresa’s challenge is tolerance for her mother’s changing behavior & understanding for her husband’s inability to understand where her responsibilities fall. Stasi’s husband left her Christmas Eve and returned 5 months later saying he is willing to work things out. They are starting to do the Love Dare book together. Her challenge is that they will get through this book and their marriage heals. My challenge is that my son and daughter in law will forgive me and to trust God in this situation. I am banned from seeing my granddaughters till they are ready for me & Pappy to see them.(It is just breaking my heart not to see them!)
Also discussed #5 “Let no iniquity get dominion over me”. My tendency is to be controlling and judgmental also procrastinating henceforth this post is a week late:-)
Stasi is trying to lose weight this summer so she said staying away from bad carbs. Teresa’s tendency is being impatient with her mother.
We have decided during this Summer Bible Study to memorize Psalm 119:129-135.
We are anxious to see what God has in store for us during this Nehemiah study.
Thanks Beth for hosting Summer Siesta Bible Study 2012. Looking forward to seeing you July 10th.
Marianne
Winston-Salem, NC; BFF Chicas, 2 – Summary: We made it through the video with 4 children requesting our attention. We say success! Excited to be in the Word together.
Dayton, OH; tNG PGGs (the NorthGate Prayer Group Girls, 4 of us
Well Satan did his best to try to get us to not meet with storms, schedule changes, etc. but we FINALLY got to meet on Monday nite @ Winans Coffee & Chocolates.
What a great time together! We spent quality time on each question but #2 garnered a good deal of our attention as we discussed the security, unconditional love, truth and hope that comes in a relationship with God. My favorite adjective used in this part of the discussion was “inexhaustible”. Our God never gets weary. He is tireless. He always exceeds our capacity to grasp just how big He truly is.
Praying that each of us grows in our relationship with God over the course of this study!
Killeen, Texas; TX Tres Siestas, 3. Summary: We talked about how the key to viewing God as *gracious* is to notice His work amongst you – to notice His GodStops in your life. For example, one of our members went through a very trying time outside of the Lord’s will and He brought her through it, and back to Him. She knows He is gracious because He saved her during what could have been many bad situations. Sidenote: The group consists of me, my twelve-year old daughter, and a dear friend. Our meeting place is Skype!
Millsap, Tx; FBC Summer Siestas, 5. Summary: So sorry for the tardy check-in. Our group has grown from 2 to 5 over the course of the last week and our “in charge of posting” person (me) has had her hands full the past two weeks getting a son ready for basic training. So…we are loving our study and really appreciate the laid back atmosphere this summer study provides. Meeting with close friends, studying God’s Word beside (or in) the pool can’t be beat down here in the Texas heat!! Our main discussion has been focused around some of our ladies who are really fighting battles this summer. Between a mom shipping her son off, to a mom battling the addictions of a son who is recently home from prison to someone facing a major disappointment in her job…we have our work cut out for us this summer. But we all know we are in excellent hands. God has been faithful to provide what we need and we are all so grateful to be moving through this season of life with such precious women to help us maneuver our “mommy meltdowns.” Thank you so much for hosting a summer study. We are overwhelmed with the timeliness of the study and so appreciate something to help us remain intentional about our studies through the chaos of this summer. Can’t wait to see how God moves…
Houston & Arlington, TX; Anderson girls, 2 – Summary: My mom & I are discussing online & by phone & are so excited to be studying the Word together!! I think the most impactful thoughts from the questions would be just the encouragement from God that He WILL steady our steps…that He IS our strength in our weakness…that He IS the freedom from oppressors. We know this, but daily living this and remembering it and seeking it continually is the key…a key which we often lose or miss! Praying that we hold on to that and trust that in all things! Looking forward to tendering our hearts toward Our One True God more this summer!! Thanks Beth & Kelly!!
Houston, TX: Malinn Saxe – going solo Sorry for starting late! The main question that hit me was to not let any iniquity have dominion over me. I have one specific area of my life that I have been dishonest about – including my husband. I love the Lord, and want to be resentful before Him. I have asked that I desire with all of my heart to give up this sin. And to be free from the fear that dishonesty brings. And the knowledge that it put’s a wall between me and the Lord. I love HIM – am praying that I would give this up!
Looking forward to this Bible Study!!!
Woops – I didn’t mean RESENTFUL – I meant REPENTFUL
Madison, AL, Terri (solo). Question number 5 resonated with me the most because there is something that I have been avoiding doing. It has thus far had dominion over me, but as of this day, and with the Lord’s help, I am going to strive to do it. I am going to depend on the Lord to change my “want to”.
Columbus, Ohio; Kim Bolton. Question 6 spoke to me. When I looked up the definition of oppression the description that it is “a heavy burden” made me think of the social anxiety that I am struggling with. I feel burdened with making new friends after so many have been married and/or moved away. This summer it is my prayer that God frees me from this anxiety and replaces it with delight in new friendships and whatever else he has in store for me!
I have no idea why I am just now checking in. We met last Tuesday!
Birmingham, AL; Valleydale grace girls, 5 (although 4 more may join us next week). We spent a good deal of time talking about the needs of women and how we need God to steady our steps. We have one member who is under some serious oppression. We really pray that God would shine light in that dark situation, especially as she is having a baby soon, which could make the situation more oppressive.
Jacksonville, FL..Becky & Laney (I know real original)…2 of us siestas
We met at Becky’s home and had a super time together!! Becky was really sharing about how she so much wants to see her 4 sisters come to know Christ.
We talked about how He makes all the difference in our lives.
Question #5 hit home with me a lot. I talked about my tendency to win the approval of others and that is my flesh having dominion over me.
So excited about this study!!! Thank you so much for giving us the opportunity to study together and to be able to share with women all over!!! Love you!!!
Cameron, NC – solo
#4 made me aware of the challenges I’m facing this summer and my heartfelt desire that I not let them get in the way of His face shining upon me.
Betsy Crawford, Chapin, SC, solo; struggling to deal with BIG upcoming changes in our family-life (daughter going to college)and trying to stay rooted in God’s Word…grateful for this study and blog
Delray Beach, FL; OCEAN CHICAS, 3. Veronica&I finally met today at Sara’s house/next week on schedule. We spent our time sharing our ‘what’s happening stories’, we celebrated God’s hand in bringing us together for this study–we want to be “present-active-participles Believing God” (Beth)!
Springfield, IL – There are two of us working through the Bible study together this summer and have chosen the name Beautiful Disasters recognizing how Christ sees us but how we utterly need him to save us from our disaster. The study has already been stepping on my toes!
Caldwell, Idaho, Linda, solo.
Ahhh! This was like stepping into a waterfall on a hot summer day. I am very poor at making time for personal Bible Study. Hmmm, I think I should have listed that under question #5. Anyway, what a blessing to find this opportunity on the internet. Now I am committed to studying this summer with all of you ladies. I just have to hurry and get a book. 🙂
#5. Besides my poor study habits, I tend to have tunnel vision. Once I know (think I know) the direction God is leading, I have a tendency to dash ahead and quit listening for further direction. I love a project! Other things tend to fall by the wayside.
#3. It is so easy to attribute to God my own attitudes and “ways”. I regularly pray that God will allow me to see through His eyes. I have always thought of this in terms of seeing others or the world. However, I also need to ask God to allow me to see and understand Him through the Holy Spirit.
God Bless
San Francisco, Ca; City Siestas, 4. The four of us met in college almost 10 years ago and have all found our way to San Francisco over the years. We are incredibly blessed.
Summary: We discussed how easy it is to block our hearts from breaking for things we know break God’s heart. We live in a beautiful, but broken city. We see homelessness and hurt every day, yet don’t allow ourselves to let our hearts break like they did the first time we saw it. We prayed that the Lord would change our hearts in a huge way this summer.
We’ve already been so blessed by this study!
There are two lovin’ it here.
Silicon Valley, CA, 4 friends calling our group “International Quartet” singing God’s praises! (representing each a heritage of Spanish, a Filipino, a Chinese, and a Japanese), first time in BS together, first time to join Beth Moore’s blog siestas, we’re meeting at a family room connected to our kitchen/dining making it easier to serve the enchiladas (first time I’ve ever made one carefully following Kelly Minter’s book recipe.. the ladies said it was delicious.. and so it must and shall be! lol).
Some of the highlights of our sharing were about ‘testimonies’ or God’s laws, statutes, commands, plan/s (blueprint) and how vitally important it is in our lives.. it’s like our backbone. His Words are a map, a guide and light to our steps that will keep us steady. We’re amazed on how gracious and merciful our Heavenly Father is to us even in the smallest detail of our steps like those moments we consider things not going according to our schedule, e.g. being late, or missing an exit in the highway which turned out to be God’s merciful way in protecting us from harm that could’ve happen to us. We desire to trust God’s way, for it is always for our good even when we don’t understand it, we will take the step in faith, trusting God.
We look forward to an exciting summer study and fellowship as we learn to “steady our steps” in His Words! I’m grateful to God for this wonderful opportunity to be able to study and get together with this beautiful friends and sisters here in Silicon Valley as well as with siestas all over world! Thanks Beth and LPM! Love and blessings in Christ!
WBC 38 – 11 Royal sisters from Womans Bible Cafe chiming in. We meet online as we complete our study. We come from all over the US, my name is Laverne.
A few comments from the group:
* one of my favorite parts of this week’s lessons was the discussion of hesed from Neh 1:5 in day 2, and the comfort and protection his unshakable love
provides. I just felt so filled and forgiven after meditating on that!*
________________________
I agree that the Nehemiah study has been urging me to pray more and pray bolder!
________________________
What drew you to studying the book of Nehemiah?
I wasn’t real familiar with Nehemiah, so curiosity pulled me in
________________________
Beth asked us to look up the definition of oppression and to pray to be redeemed from oppression. The definition I found of oppression is — cruel or unjust control, or cruel/unjust authority or power, or cruel/unjust restraint.
Pray for us as we pray for all of YOU!
Orange City, Teresa, just me – verse 133a – steady my steps. This past year has been a very “wobbly” year and I’m ready to move on and learn from the experience.
Psalm 119:133a says, “Keep steady my steps according to Your promise.” I have some challenges ahead, involving job and mom with Parkinson’s disease which I will need God to “steady my steps”.
Asheville, NC; Jen– going solo
I’m hoping to overcome some serious issues with fear this summer.
Nacogdoches, TX; Sassy Siesta Sisters, 14.
I love my group! We are meeting in a small cozy living room each week. The ladies range from 20s-60s!! So much fun!! Some shared about needing to keep their “steps steady” this summer with staying in the word, and not letting a carefree summer take away their planned time with God…others shared about parenting and having a gracious heart to their children as God has to us. Some shared of needing to not be opressed by anxiety and fear, but let God’s authority rule over them. Vs 131 also spoke to us…we all wish to pant for Christ and His commands…and our prayers together and for one another is to have His face shine upon us!
Nacogdoches, TX; Sassy Siesta Sisters, 14
I love my group!!!! We are meeting each week in a tiny cozy living room. Our ages range from 20s-60s. Soooo much fun!!! Several in our group shared tonight about needing help to “steady their steps” with crazy summer schedules, and not becoming to relaxed in their time with the Lord. We also had some share about being freed from oppression of anxiety and fear, and truly letting God be the authority. Verse 131 spoke to us all as well…we all want to pant for Christ and His commands as we seek Him this summer!
Puyallup, Washington – Linda. Going solo for this study.
Number 4 caught my attention because my dear mother passed away a few weeks ago, and I find myself suddenly responsible for Dad’s care, and increased responsibilities in the family. As a single person, up until now I’ve really only truly been responsible for myself, so I need God’s strength and guidance to “steady my steps” for the road ahead.
Thank you for leading this unique way to do Bible study, Beth! I look forward to it to see how the Lord will answer–
Going solo on this study in Topeka, KS. Also meeting with 5 precious “Soul Sisters” in another weekly study (James!). Question 4 hit home. It’s going to be a busy summer – work, family, serving @ church, ministering with and to my girlfriends, staying in God’s Word. I need Him to keep me focused and I need to rely on Him and not try to do everything on my own. Looking forward to continuing this study.
Crystal P, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada – solo
#4 stood out for me because it made me think through and write down what I want God to lead me through. I want to make my faith known and LIVE IT OUT. I want courage to bring my faith to others (friends, family, neighbors), where they are in their journey. I want Jesus’ light to shine through me so others will see him (Mat 5:16). Most of all I want to be a light to my husband who does not share my faith and struggles to find what he believes. I want to accept him where he is and let my life be a testimony.
Jennifer Polimino- PrayingMommyof2–Going solo! from Colorado right now– (but really from Hawaii).
Number 3 hit home for me because I was abused at 12 and fell far away from God until I hit 30. I used to have a very hard time believing that God is gracious. But I’ve now come to understand that He is a loving and compassionate Father who truly cares about every little detail of my life. It’s taken me many years to finally realize this.
#4 –I really need God to Steady my Steps this summer. I have a four-year-old girl and a six, almost seven, year old boy. They are my little love bugs and on the go all day. I am an author and I am trying to do the final edits to my book, due next week to the publisher, while my children run around the house playing loudly at times. I’m going a little nutty!!(Actually wound it have it any other way:)
Then my husband and I have just agreed to homeschool our kids. I am thrilled about this decision. I didn’t realize the sadness I felt knowing that they would both be going off to school soon and found myself being mean and unconsciously pushing them away, maybe so they wouldn’t miss me as much. We agreed 3 days ago about the homeschooling and I couldn’t be happier! 🙂 Now I’m researching as to which curriculum to use.
We’re also traveling a lot and I have a big speaking thing to do in October that I am a bit nervous about.
#5 I tend to want to be a perfectionist and to do everything by myself–that’s why I’m doing this solo:( Actually, I recently found a girlfriend and we really seem to click and our kids do to..I may ask her if she’d like to join the study with me.
Thanks ladies!
Sorry I meant–“I wouldn’t have it any other way:)” It’s bed time. Nite.
Arlington, TX; LABCers,Summary~We are doing this study through via email. We want to thank Beth and Kelly for giving us the opportunity to have this bible study together. Natalie and I both agree that we both need to “steady our steps” this summer. We pray that God will bring guidance upon us to steady our steps through our journeys this summer. We are so excited to be a part of this summer siesta.
Arlington, TX – solo. Question 2 resonated with me because I don’t think I consciously consider why I keep God’s commands in my life and I certainly have not articulated that to myself or others. It was a great exercise for me to explore why I believe and to be more confident when I share what I believe with others.
Shari in Virginia & Deanna in Illinois – “Just the Two of Us” Friends who haven’t seen each other for 11 years now. Thankful for the internet and opportunity to do this bible study with each other this summer. We discuss each day via email with weekly phone calls. We both have many challenges in life right now, decisions made and to be made – and we just want to seek out what the Lord’s will is for us and have a heart for Him, not ourselves. Questions #3 and #5 seem to hit home for both of us. Enjoying the study so far and look forward to the rest of it!
Karol Nicoletti, Burlington, CT, solo; Truly a God thing when the person above me has the same struggle. My daughter too will also be leaving for college (trying to deal with pain issues before she leaves); my sweet sister with breast cancer, aging parents – #4 made me realize how much I need God to steady my steps according to HIS promises. I too am grateful for this study and blog.
Buffalo, WY, Roxanne H. (solo) – I am coming on a little late but was able to get the book at Living Proof Live in Colorado Springs last weekend. So excited to be doing this bible study and praying for God to “keep steady my steps” as I commit to studying His word. 🙂
South Charleston, Ohio
Sharon Wildman, going solo
Question 5 was fitting for me. I have struggled with my weight all my life but this summer I have some health issues and the Lord showed me what needs to be done – eating non inflammatory foods which happen to also be foods that will help me to lose weight much better by eating much healthier. I’ve asked him to heal this area of my life and to give me strength and courage to persevere through changing my lifestyle this time. He has been so gracious and merciful in the fact that I have had no cravings for the old foods and ways. He is my food I am filling up on each day and it’s been life-giving. I am thankful.
Cottonwood,Idaho – Karon. I always enjoy ladies group bible studies, but this one I’m going solo on. I especially enjoy digging into His Word. Question #5 resonated most with me.
Jo, Carlsbad, CA: A Notorious Sinner Saved by Grace —
This study is like water to a thirsty soul. I’m especially loving (and flinching from . . .)Psalm 119 verse 133 in question #5. I am perpetually dealing with a besetting sin that quenches God’s spirit within me. Praying that I would not allow any iniquity to get dominion over me. Counting on Christ to steady my steps and show me His victory as I commit to study His Word this summer.
Victoria, B.C. — Soloing
Questions 2 keeps echoing in me. How do I articulate why following God and His Word are worth it to someone who sees the self-directed life as true freedom? I’m reminded of C.S. Lewis’s Narnia — how passing through the wardrobe allows the children to enter a world where they finally see the truth. For me, that’s what the Scriptures allow — entrance into understanding, illumination of reality in light of eternity, true joy, love, peace, and the ordinary, everyday, broken world glittering with the possibility of redemption.
Ahead of me this summer are so many possibilities with regard to vocation. I’m praying that God, through His Word, will throw light on the path He wants to me to run.
Shelley Jeffcoat, Alpharetta GA, solo. Question 4 resonated with me the most. We’re moving again due to my husband’s job; my job continues to be stressful and increasing in workload but no financial blessing; worried about my 3 year old having to get acclimated to new school and surroundings; feeling lonely and disconnected. I don’t want to operate outside God’s plan but I’m truly at a breaking point.
Dawn, Ada, OK, solo: struggling with changing friendships and trying to stay in Gods word to keep my eyes on Him!
Amarillo, TX – pjoym
#3 was especially interesting to me today. Do I daily have an expectation of God’s graciousness toward me? I need to remind myself as I seek Him that being gracious is His manner, His “way”, with those who love him. My prayer is for God to reveal to me by the Holy Spirit the many ways He shows me his mercy and grace. Lord, let me not count your great mercy as just coincidental.
“His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me.”
Mississippi, In the Faith Facebookers, 5, Summary: We are group meeting through Facebook messages from all over the state of Mississippi. We have one who is new to Bible Study, and we are SO happy to have her! We had some very personal, intimate issues come up when we discussed how we need the Lord to steady our steps this summer. They ranged from a house full of toddlers & babies to financial worries to dealing with bouts of depression. We are so thankful to have the prayers and accountability of this unique group!
This is Laurel, going solo. I am so excited to see God “unfold His Word to me and give me light “this summer!
Hilliard,OH, PJWOhio, 1. struggling with a couple of issues that have been ongoing for several months. Just opening The Word & reading that God will steady my steps has brought me strength. Remembering (yet again) that I do not have the power or strength to deal with these issues, but God does. Thankful for this opportunity to study as I travel in the summer & can’t “join” a with others at home.